Old Bolts 'A' 3 Rossendale Ams 'A' 2

A tough encounter lay ahead for Old Bolts. Having played Rossendale twice this season and lost 5-0 on both occasions, it was acknowledged that Old Bolts would need to work hard if they wished to continue their unbeaten run in 2008. From the kick-off, it was noticeable that the unbeaten run was not going to be given up lightly. Quick and strong in the challenge, each Old Bolt player laid down the standard that would be required for the next 90 minutes.

Within the first 5 minutes, a swift Old Bolts attack saw the ball sprayed out wide to Beardall who in turn put in a good cross that eluded the 2 Old Bolts attackers in the box. Rose, resuming his aggressive attacking role last seen imposing itself on the defence at Hesketh, retrieved the ball and fired in a low cross in to the "corridor of uncertainty" (thanks to Andy Gray for that). Ellis nipped in and tripped up over the ball and watched it nestle in the back of the net. 1-0 up and a great start.

To follow-up with another Andy Gray-ism, teams are at their most vulnerable after scoring and Old Bolts proved that was the case. Within minutes of the re-start a long ball over the top from Rossendale allowed their forward to nip in and equalise. It was a blow to an otherwise excellent start. From this point on, the game became carefully poised with both sides creating chances. Moving on from the disappointment of conceding, defensively Old Bolts were excellent with Davids and Timmis commanding in the central positions and were well supported by the full-backs. With the form that Roberts was showing between the posts though, it was questionable if a defence was even needed. Not only is he the best kitted-out keeper in Lancashire, he is also proving to be one of the best.

Just moments in to the second-half and Old Bolts were to regain the lead.

More attacking pressure forced a corner out on the left. Kemp had already but in a couple of excellent corners in the first half and again he delivered a quality ball to the back post and which gave Ellis a simple header to restore Old Bolts lead.

There were to be no further lapses in concentration from this point on and the midfield worked hard to nullify the threat of a strong Rossendale central pairing. The defence remained strong and Roberts continued to dominate his area, collecting numerous crosses and making some outstanding saves.

Old Bolts continued to show some ambition going forward. After a swift break, Old Bolts were awarded a free-kick about 25 yards out to the right of the goal. Up stepped Arnold with his mercurial left foot (n.b at this point we need to do a quick match report of the last game - all you need to know is that Arnold was Man of the Match due in no small part to his world-class free-kick which was driven in to the top corner). Arnold, who had been playing through the pain-barrier after an early knock on his ankle, proved his quality with another spectacular free-kick, placed with perfection and no small amount of power in to the top left corner. The keeper did not even have chance to wave at it as the ball flew past him.

With a 2 goal lead and cramp,  injuries and fatigue rife amongst the team, Old Bolts continued to rely on the back four and the defensive qualities and desire of the rest of the team to take the 3 points. Old Bolts got what they deserved despite conceding in injury time. The points were earned through a sheer will to win and moments of quality throughout the team. An excellent team spirit on the pitch is alive and kicking within this team and it will be needed for next week's challenge away to the league leaders.

Man of the Match - Lee Roberts - pulled off some outstanding saves and dominated his area throughout the 90 minutes.